 |
A Message from Principal Ben McMurray... Our school calendar is turning toward one of our busiest and most important months! October is filled with academic milestones, essential testing, and exciting community events. This update provides key information about grading, testing, conferences, and our full slate of activities. Your continued partnership makes all of our students' successes possible. The first quarter officially ends on Friday, October 17. This milestone is a great time to check in with your student on their progress. Teachers will finalize all grades in PowerSchool by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 22. Paper copies will be provided upon request after that date. We look forward to connecting with you during our Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 23rd and 24th. Teachers will prioritize scheduling for students who may be struggling academically or socially. However, we ensure that all teachers make themselves available during their conference periods throughout the school year. Please reach out to your student's teacher or our guidance office to schedule a meeting. Wednesday, October 8th, is an essential "Testing Day" for most of our Junior/Senior High students. This is a vital day for academic growth and preparation. Students will take important standardized assessments. This experience helps them gain confidence with the format, provides valuable insights into college and career readiness, and contributes to school-wide academic data. Please ensure your student is present, well-rested, and on time for this important school day. Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for being active members of the Ottawa Hills community. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or the office. |
A Message from Principal Ben McMurray... Our school calendar is turning toward one of our busiest and most important months! October is filled with academic milestones, essential testing, and exciting community events. This update provides key information about grading, testing, conferences, and our full slate of activities. Your continued partnership makes all of our students' successes possible. The first quarter officially ends on Friday, October 17. This milestone is a great time to check in with your student on their progress. Teachers will finalize all grades in PowerSchool by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 22. Paper copies will be provided upon request after that date. We look forward to connecting with you during our Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 23rd and 24th. Teachers will prioritize scheduling for students who may be struggling academically or socially. However, we ensure that all teachers make themselves available during their conference periods throughout the school year. Please reach out to your student's teacher or our guidance office to schedule a meeting. Wednesday, October 8th, is an essential "Testing Day" for most of our Junior/Senior High students. This is a vital day for academic growth and preparation. Students will take important standardized assessments. This experience helps them gain confidence with the format, provides valuable insights into college and career readiness, and contributes to school-wide academic data. Please ensure your student is present, well-rested, and on time for this important school day. Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for being active members of the Ottawa Hills community. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me or the office. |
 |
1. Ottawa Hills Homecoming DanceThe annual Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School Homecoming Dance is scheduled for this Saturday, October 11. The dance will be held in the high school's main gym. Students must arrive between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. through the old main entrance. The dance will end promptly at 10:00 p.m. For everyone's safety, students are not permitted to leave the dance before 10:00 p.m. unless a parent or guardian personally picks them up. If you have any questions, please contact sophomore class advisor Liz Puskala at Epuskala@ohschools.org. We're looking forward to a great night! |
1. Ottawa Hills Homecoming DanceThe annual Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School Homecoming Dance is scheduled for this Saturday, October 11. The dance will be held in the high school's main gym. Students must arrive between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. through the old main entrance. The dance will end promptly at 10:00 p.m. For everyone's safety, students are not permitted to leave the dance before 10:00 p.m. unless a parent or guardian personally picks them up. If you have any questions, please contact sophomore class advisor Liz Puskala at Epuskala@ohschools.org. We're looking forward to a great night! |
 | Save the Date for the Celebration of Village Life Parade Friday, October 10 5:00 If you are part of a school or community group and would like to participate in the parade, you may find more information or register HERE. |
 |
2. Testing Day Wednesday, October 8 Students in grades 9 through 11 will be participating in college readiness testing on Wednesday, October 8. Students in grade 9 will take the PSAT; students in grade 10 will take the PreACT; and students in grade 11 will take the PSAT/NSMQT. The results from these tests provide valuable information about our students and programming. They will take the entire morning. There will be alternative programming for grades 7, 8, and 12. All students, grades 7-12, will be released early on Wednesday, October 8. Most students will likely be done by 11:10am, but please be flexible. Once students are dismissed, they should return home and complete online assignments including school safety modules. Students are expected to stay off campus during the afternoon school hours once they are dismissed. |
2. Testing Day Wednesday, October 8 Students in grades 9 through 11 will be participating in college readiness testing on Wednesday, October 8. Students in grade 9 will take the PSAT; students in grade 10 will take the PreACT; and students in grade 11 will take the PSAT/NSMQT. The results from these tests provide valuable information about our students and programming. They will take the entire morning. There will be alternative programming for grades 7, 8, and 12. All students, grades 7-12, will be released early on Wednesday, October 8. Most students will likely be done by 11:10am, but please be flexible. Once students are dismissed, they should return home and complete online assignments including school safety modules. Students are expected to stay off campus during the afternoon school hours once they are dismissed. |
 | 3. Fall Collage Concert Sunday, October 19
7:00pm Main Gym
The Fall Collage Concert features all of the performing groups at Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High. Bands and choirs alike perform a seamless concert experience that goes from one group to the next, sampling sounds from the first quarter. Be sure to join us Sunday, October 19th for this event. The concert starts at 7:00PM in the main gym. |
 | 4. Early Release Reminder A reminder that Wednesday, October 22 there will be an early release at 1:00pm. This early release allows teachers time for professional development meetings. |
 | 5. Parent Teacher Conferences Sign Ups: Wednesday, October 1 6:00pm Conferences: Thursday & Friday, October 23 & 24 There will be no school for students on these days. |
 |
 |
 |
Cyber Safety Presentation Equips Students with Essential Digital Defense Skills Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School was privileged to host Tracey Tangeman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, who delivered a critical presentation on cyber safety and online exploitation to our students, faculty, and staff. The event was well-received by all in attendance. Ms. Tangeman’s presentation, held during our monthly student-led wellness initiative, OHBreathe, addressed the rapidly growing threats of online predators and digital exploitation. Students were thoroughly educated on the sophisticated tactics used in sextortion schemes, learned to recognize the warning signs of online manipulation, and were given concrete strategies to protect themselves in complex digital environments. They also received information on available resources and support systems. The students were incredibly attentive throughout the session and demonstrated a deep engagement with the material by asking several important follow-up questions. This proactive learning confirms our belief that education and awareness are our most powerful tools in protecting our school community from online threats. We are profoundly grateful to Ms. Tangeman |
Cyber Safety Presentation Equips Students with Essential Digital Defense Skills Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School was privileged to host Tracey Tangeman, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, who delivered a critical presentation on cyber safety and online exploitation to our students, faculty, and staff. The event was well-received by all in attendance. Ms. Tangeman’s presentation, held during our monthly student-led wellness initiative, OHBreathe, addressed the rapidly growing threats of online predators and digital exploitation. Students were thoroughly educated on the sophisticated tactics used in sextortion schemes, learned to recognize the warning signs of online manipulation, and were given concrete strategies to protect themselves in complex digital environments. They also received information on available resources and support systems. The students were incredibly attentive throughout the session and demonstrated a deep engagement with the material by asking several important follow-up questions. This proactive learning confirms our belief that education and awareness are our most powerful tools in protecting our school community from online threats. We are profoundly grateful to Ms. Tangeman |
 |
Green Bears Finish Strong, Taking 5th at the 2025 Ottawa Hills Invitational On Saturday, the Ottawa Hills boys golf team delivered a strong performance at the prestigious 2025 Ottawa Hills Invitational, hosted at the historic Inverness Club. The Green Bears navigated the challenging course and finished in a very respectable 5th place out of eight competitive teams. The field featured some of the top high school golf programs in the state, with the ultimate title going to Dublin Jerome. The Green Bears demonstrated impressive grit and skill, with the entire team contributing to their solid finish. Most notably, the team managed to finish ahead of two strong Division I programs, Dublin Coffman and the 2023 Division I State Champions, Anthony Wayne, highlighting the depth of talent on the Ottawa Hills roster. Individually, the Green Bears' scores were excellent: Yale Fenniger led the team with an outstanding 73, Charlie Swigart followed closely with a fantastic round of 75, Walker Peterson carded an impressive score of 83, Cooper Friedman contributed a solid 84, and Greysen O’Neill rounded out the scoring with an 87. This event provided invaluable experience for our athletes, allowing them to compete against premier state-level talent on one of the country's most iconic courses. The team's collective effort and ability to outperform larger Division I schools are a testament to their hard work and the leadership of Coach Kruse. We extend our sincere gratitude to Coach Kruse, Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, and the magnificent staff at the Inverness Club for their efforts in hosting and organizing such a successful and memorable invitational. With perfect weather conditions creating an ideal backdrop for competitive golf, it was a truly great day on the links. The team's success comes on the heels of their impressive tournament run last week, where they secured a first-place finish at Sectionals. By winning Sectionals, the Green Bears successfully qualified and will now compete in the District Tournament this coming Tuesday, September 30, at Maumee Bay Golf Course. A strong performance at Districts will allow them to punch their ticket to the State Tournament. Go Green Bears! |
Green Bears Finish Strong, Taking 5th at the 2025 Ottawa Hills Invitational On Saturday, the Ottawa Hills boys golf team delivered a strong performance at the prestigious 2025 Ottawa Hills Invitational, hosted at the historic Inverness Club. The Green Bears navigated the challenging course and finished in a very respectable 5th place out of eight competitive teams. The field featured some of the top high school golf programs in the state, with the ultimate title going to Dublin Jerome. The Green Bears demonstrated impressive grit and skill, with the entire team contributing to their solid finish. Most notably, the team managed to finish ahead of two strong Division I programs, Dublin Coffman and the 2023 Division I State Champions, Anthony Wayne, highlighting the depth of talent on the Ottawa Hills roster. Individually, the Green Bears' scores were excellent: Yale Fenniger led the team with an outstanding 73, Charlie Swigart followed closely with a fantastic round of 75, Walker Peterson carded an impressive score of 83, Cooper Friedman contributed a solid 84, and Greysen O’Neill rounded out the scoring with an 87. This event provided invaluable experience for our athletes, allowing them to compete against premier state-level talent on one of the country's most iconic courses. The team's collective effort and ability to outperform larger Division I schools are a testament to their hard work and the leadership of Coach Kruse. We extend our sincere gratitude to Coach Kruse, Athletic Director Ryan Wronkowicz, and the magnificent staff at the Inverness Club for their efforts in hosting and organizing such a successful and memorable invitational. With perfect weather conditions creating an ideal backdrop for competitive golf, it was a truly great day on the links. The team's success comes on the heels of their impressive tournament run last week, where they secured a first-place finish at Sectionals. By winning Sectionals, the Green Bears successfully qualified and will now compete in the District Tournament this coming Tuesday, September 30, at Maumee Bay Golf Course. A strong performance at Districts will allow them to punch their ticket to the State Tournament. Go Green Bears! |
 |
Junior High Students Unplug On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Ottawa Hills Junior High students enjoyed their first "Unplugged" event of the school year. This event gave seventh and eighth graders a much-needed break from screens and provided an opportunity to enjoy some old-fashioned fun and socializing with their peers.Students socialized and spent the afternoon playing classic board games, as well as outdoor favorites like corn hole and spike ball. The event was organized by Junior High Student Council advisor Dan Feuerstein and the entire junior high staff. Special thanks are due to OHSPA for sponsoring the event and generously providing the lemonade, hotdogs, and chips! Additional thanks go to the staff members who helped make the event a success: Kathy Benecke, Paul Genzman, Dan Feuerstein, Jake Hall, Dylan Bush, Nicole Silvers, Mandy Ricketts, Nikki Tolliver, Janelle Fowler, and Karen Fischer. Photos by Nikki Tolliver and Mandy Ricketts |
Junior High Students Unplug On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Ottawa Hills Junior High students enjoyed their first "Unplugged" event of the school year. This event gave seventh and eighth graders a much-needed break from screens and provided an opportunity to enjoy some old-fashioned fun and socializing with their peers.Students socialized and spent the afternoon playing classic board games, as well as outdoor favorites like corn hole and spike ball. The event was organized by Junior High Student Council advisor Dan Feuerstein and the entire junior high staff. Special thanks are due to OHSPA for sponsoring the event and generously providing the lemonade, hotdogs, and chips! Additional thanks go to the staff members who helped make the event a success: Kathy Benecke, Paul Genzman, Dan Feuerstein, Jake Hall, Dylan Bush, Nicole Silvers, Mandy Ricketts, Nikki Tolliver, Janelle Fowler, and Karen Fischer. Photos by Nikki Tolliver and Mandy Ricketts |
 |
Ottawa Hills Students Dive into Global Investment Challenge Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School is proud to announce the formation of a team of ambitious seniors who will represent OHHS in the prestigious Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, which officially launches on September 29. This exceptional initiative was student-led, originating when the group approached Mrs. Burnworth about participating. The six-member team, calling themselves the Green Bear Brokers, includes Amogh Sharma, Quinton Smith, Finn Genzman, Avi Hanusz, Sam Skiver, and Trace Douglas. To hone their strategy, the team presented their plan on Wednesday, September 24, to local financial planner Dan Peffley, CFS, CLTC. Mr. Peffley offered valuable professional insights, commended the students on their thoughtful, prepared approach, and encouraged the Green Bear Brokers to continue reaching out for guidance as the challenge unfolds. The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is an experiential challenge where teams of students utilize an online stock market simulator to develop and execute an investment strategy over a ten-week period. The students gain real-world experience in strategy-building, communication, risk management, diversification, and company analysis. The Green Bear Brokers have designed a portfolio strategy specifically intended to maximize market movement during the competition timeline. We wish the Green Bear Brokers the best of luck as they begin their ten-week journey! |
Ottawa Hills Students Dive into Global Investment Challenge Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School is proud to announce the formation of a team of ambitious seniors who will represent OHHS in the prestigious Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, which officially launches on September 29. This exceptional initiative was student-led, originating when the group approached Mrs. Burnworth about participating. The six-member team, calling themselves the Green Bear Brokers, includes Amogh Sharma, Quinton Smith, Finn Genzman, Avi Hanusz, Sam Skiver, and Trace Douglas. To hone their strategy, the team presented their plan on Wednesday, September 24, to local financial planner Dan Peffley, CFS, CLTC. Mr. Peffley offered valuable professional insights, commended the students on their thoughtful, prepared approach, and encouraged the Green Bear Brokers to continue reaching out for guidance as the challenge unfolds. The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is an experiential challenge where teams of students utilize an online stock market simulator to develop and execute an investment strategy over a ten-week period. The students gain real-world experience in strategy-building, communication, risk management, diversification, and company analysis. The Green Bear Brokers have designed a portfolio strategy specifically intended to maximize market movement during the competition timeline. We wish the Green Bear Brokers the best of luck as they begin their ten-week journey! |
 |
Commended Scholars Named in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program We are thrilled to announce that the following seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program: Adam El Sayyad, Meral Humaida, Ian Jones, Twayne Lai, Ayush Mahaseth, Rohan Padhye, and Emily Timmerman. These scholastically talented students are among approximately 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic promise. This distinction places them among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). While they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, their high scores reflect outstanding achievement. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program, will be formally presented by the principal. A spokesperson for NMSC commented on the significance of this recognition, stating, "Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success." Please join us in celebrating the hard work and academic excellence of these exceptional seniors. |
Commended Scholars Named in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program We are thrilled to announce that the following seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program: Adam El Sayyad, Meral Humaida, Ian Jones, Twayne Lai, Ayush Mahaseth, Rohan Padhye, and Emily Timmerman. These scholastically talented students are among approximately 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic promise. This distinction places them among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). While they will not continue in the 2026 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, their high scores reflect outstanding achievement. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program, will be formally presented by the principal. A spokesperson for NMSC commented on the significance of this recognition, stating, "Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success." Please join us in celebrating the hard work and academic excellence of these exceptional seniors. |
 |
Grip, Spin, and Trajectory; Fun with Physics Last week, students in Mr. Adkins physics classes headed out to the stadium with a basket of footballs to conduct inquiry-based labs on physics behind projectiles. According to Mr. Adkins, “The projectile lab is intentionally rife with errors, the exercise is designed to demonstrate how measurement uncertainties and assumptions propagate through our calculations and influence final results.”
The projectile lab studies the same factors that govern a football's flight path: the initial velocity (how fast it's thrown), the launch angle (the angle it leaves the hand), and the effect of gravity on the ball's trajectory. Understanding these concepts allows for accurate prediction of where the ball will land.
These inquiry-based labs are designed to encourage students to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Developing a solid set of questions, correctly applying important concepts, and being keenly aware of the process are essential to this approach to learning. |
Grip, Spin, and Trajectory; Fun with Physics Last week, students in Mr. Adkins physics classes headed out to the stadium with a basket of footballs to conduct inquiry-based labs on physics behind projectiles. According to Mr. Adkins, “The projectile lab is intentionally rife with errors, the exercise is designed to demonstrate how measurement uncertainties and assumptions propagate through our calculations and influence final results.”
The projectile lab studies the same factors that govern a football's flight path: the initial velocity (how fast it's thrown), the launch angle (the angle it leaves the hand), and the effect of gravity on the ball's trajectory. Understanding these concepts allows for accurate prediction of where the ball will land.
These inquiry-based labs are designed to encourage students to use their critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Developing a solid set of questions, correctly applying important concepts, and being keenly aware of the process are essential to this approach to learning. |
 |
Teen PEP Members Gear Up for New School Year with Comprehensive Training on Mental Health, Bullying, and Dating Violence Teen PEP (Peers Educating Peers) members took part in an annual training to get ready for the upcoming year’s activities and student-led peer to peer lessons. The training took place at ProMedica Russell J Ebeid Toledo Children's Hospital, on Friday, September 25. Teen PEP members were educated on topics including mental health, bullying prevention, teen dating violence as well as the seriousness of confidentiality and mandatory reporting. Teen PEP is a student-led program that facilitates student wellness discussions on relevant topics. Special thanks to Teen PEP advisor Stacy Richards.
Established in 1995, Teen PEP focuses on sexual-violence prevention education as well as teen dating violence and bullying prevention. The project is based on the CDC-evaluated, evidence-based curriculum Expect Respect: A School-Based Program Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships for Youth and integrates concepts from Safe Dates. The goal of the program is to train students as teen leaders to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in northwest Ohio. For more information about Teen Pep, click here. Photo by Stacy Richards
|
Teen PEP Members Gear Up for New School Year with Comprehensive Training on Mental Health, Bullying, and Dating Violence Teen PEP (Peers Educating Peers) members took part in an annual training to get ready for the upcoming year’s activities and student-led peer to peer lessons. The training took place at ProMedica Russell J Ebeid Toledo Children's Hospital, on Friday, September 25. Teen PEP members were educated on topics including mental health, bullying prevention, teen dating violence as well as the seriousness of confidentiality and mandatory reporting. Teen PEP is a student-led program that facilitates student wellness discussions on relevant topics. Special thanks to Teen PEP advisor Stacy Richards.
Established in 1995, Teen PEP focuses on sexual-violence prevention education as well as teen dating violence and bullying prevention. The project is based on the CDC-evaluated, evidence-based curriculum Expect Respect: A School-Based Program Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships for Youth and integrates concepts from Safe Dates. The goal of the program is to train students as teen leaders to reduce the incidence of sexual violence in northwest Ohio. For more information about Teen Pep, click here. Photo by Stacy Richards
|
Save the Date Wednesday, October 8 : Testing Day: EARLY RELEASE Friday, October 10: Village Life Parade Saturday, October 11: Homecoming Wednesday, October 15: Senior Portraits Sunday, October 19: Fall Collage Concert Wednesday, October 22: Early Release Thursday & Friday, October 23-24: Parents/Teacher Conferences: NO SCHOOL Tuesday, November 4: No School-Voting Day |
Save the Date Wednesday, October 8 : Testing Day: EARLY RELEASE Friday, October 10: Village Life Parade Saturday, October 11: Homecoming Wednesday, October 15: Senior Portraits Sunday, October 19: Fall Collage Concert Wednesday, October 22: Early Release Thursday & Friday, October 23-24: Parents/Teacher Conferences: NO SCHOOL Tuesday, November 4: No School-Voting Day |
|
|
| |